Who says grown-up table settings can’t be fun? This week’s table brings a bit of childhood joy to the summer patio with a bicycle-themed tablescape inspired by long sunny days and lazy afternoon rides.
The starting point for the table was the wicker house—actually a little purse—eagerly received by our youngest granddaughter, Riley, shortly thereafter. She is the “girliest” of the crowd, despite her rather…how shall we put this? …. robust personality. She’s the little monkey who so eagerly embraced the Cathedral viewing at Westminster on the family trip to England and Scotland a few years ago. Invariably clad in a dress, Riley appreciates the feminine aspects of life, making original fashion choices that sometimes raise a few eyebrows. I suspect Riley will go far. 🙂
The cotton tablecloth patterned with bicycles and palm trees did the rest. Now…to find bicycles…
Back in the day, the ever-reliable Pier One had delivered the goods with an enchanting bicycle decorated for Christmas.
But a little digging around on the web sourced some summer options. I found the plain black one first.
And then discovered the blue one. They weren’t expensive, so I decided to get both.
Fun, no?
Rattan placemats echoed the material in the little house, as did the napkin rings. The palm-frond napkins are also probably from Pier 1; I’ve had them for ages.
Scalloped-edge plates trimmed in green and blue elevate the tone a bit, don’t you think? Thank you, Aerin for Williams Sonoma (sadly, discontinued, but sometimes available on eBay or at Replacements. The gingham-handled cutlery reminds me of checkered picnic blankets and gingham dresses.
The cobalt blue tumblers are Royal Lace by Hazel Atlas produced from 1934 to 1941, so true Depression glass.
As a final flourish, a bicycle-print pillow perched on a chair encourages guests to hop on and enjoy the ride.
This table is a celebration of summer’s sweetest pleasures—sunlight, flowers, friends, and just enough nostalgia to make everyone feel like a kid again.
As we mark the festive week that celebrates both Canada Day and Independence Day, it’s the perfect moment to gather outdoors, share good food, and revel in the cheerful colours of summer. Whether you’re toasting the maple leaf or waving the stars and stripes, there’s a shared spirit of joy, gratitude, and celebration that unites us across the border.
Here’s to red, white, and a beautiful table setting to match!
I’m sharing this post with Between Naps on the Porch.
Dear Helen, Ahhhh…your beloved green-and-blue again. It’s a bright and summery laid-back table. As usual, you pull out the most interesting aspects: monstera-palm serviettes echoing the palms on the cloth and pink flowers nodding to the bicycle basket. I also greatly appreciate the lack of the usual red, white, and blue of 99% of blogger tablescapes for July (and don’t forget Bastille Day). The Atlantic ran a sad article this week about the decline of bike-riding as a childhood summer pastime. Sigh…
Hi Beatrice!
So lovely to hear from you. I hope all is well at your end. Scorching hot in Europe this year, no?
Decline of bike riding along with any other “risky” activity that doesn’t involve being under the parents’ watchful eye 24/7. Sigh indeed. I know, I’m ancient… Happy to see kids being kids on the beach here in Cape Cod. It’s a very welcome throwback to the “old” days.
I had a lot of fun setting that table. I think the tablecloth is by Pomegranate, or one of the British designers, anyway. It was an end of season, super-discounted purchase; it took a while to figure out what to do with it. I love those tables. I’ve got a few in the hopper right now.
Best,
Helen
Yes, many 80+ degree days, but spaced by occasional cool ones. What we pay for in hot days we reap on gorgeous warm evenings on the balcony in candlelight, looking at purple mountains and watching flitting bats catch insects. Oh, and the occasional thunderstorm, which means I don’t have to water.
Worth the price of the heat, Beatrice! Sounds heavenly.